Opinion

Rebuilding PH For Generations

Published

17 years ago

September 21, 2009

Chima Aaron

When I was told by a friend whose wife had been told that part of their house has been marked for demolition, I replied if that was the bargain the people had with the Governor. This was sometime in 2008.

Then in March 2009, I visited Nigeria, usually through Lagos to Port Harcourt where I had a firsthand witness of the demolition exercise and the Governor’s intentions for Port Harcourt, the only Garden city of Nigeria.

For example, the demolition of late Dr. G.B. Leton’s fence in G.R.A.Phase 2, brought me memories of the eighties, when we used to standby to admire the fine architectural design work of the building and many others that were later taken over by high rise fences.

It will only take the imaginations of “an old Port Harcourt boy” to have an insight into the Governor’s present efforts that need everybody’s support to turn the city back to its original status. If the creators of Port Harcourt should see it as it is presently, they’ll really be disappointed.

Who is “an old Port Harcourt boy”, shortened for “an old boy”. He is anybody who at one time or another lived as a boy in Port Harcourt from its’ creation to 1967 when the Nigeria civil war started.

“An old boy” prefers taking the backyard shortcut instead of the main roads to school and errands because they were kept clean as the main roads with flowing gutters and no foul smell. There were men paid to see to the cleaning of the gutters and to cut the grasses.

If these men should have reason to file report of your dirty premises to the sanitary authorities and a letter of inspection is sent to you, a day before the date will be used by the tenants for general cleaning. On the day of the inspection, you will clearly notice the panic on the faces of our parents before the sanitary inspectors and their big hats.

“An old boy” on a dry evening with friends may choose to lie either in the courtyard or the front cement pavement, telling stories without fear of mosquitoes or rats.

Above, are the experiences of the Garden city for you. It was designed in the form of a garden by the British who stationed men to manage the planning and maintenance of it until at our independence in 1960 when it was handed to us. We continued like them until 1967 at the outbreak of the Nigerian civil war, when the process broke down.

The problem started when the Rivers State government, after Eagle Island and G.R.A.Phase 2, abandoned planned design development of the city to land owners and private developers who built and fenced their properties, according to their plots.

From the Chief Rufus Ada-George to Dr. Peter Odil’s governments, for reasons to decongest the city, created roads for expansion without planning. With these roads, the land owners started selling to individuals who started building along the roads. And secondly, the increased activities relating to the petroleum industries, brought about inflow of people into the unplanned city, from other parts of the country.

These two factors created the over congestion and the “nightmare” traffic holdups. Let me use this experience as an example. From my Stadium Road base, I, at 3p.m left for an appointment with an office that closes at 6 p.m along Olusegun Obasanjo road. I could not make the appointment for that day. I am not condemning the plans the Government has, but rather to add onto it.

Let us create five development areas from:

Eleme junction, Onne, to Bori road, Oil-Mill junction to Imo River Bridge (Oyigbo),Uniport, along Emohua to Ahoada, Rumuokoro junction to Omagwa to Isiokpo, and Iwofe, Bakana, Borikiri, Isakato Tombia swamps for sand filling and latter converted for reserved areas.

The Government can pass laws to prevent these areas from sales and development without government approval. The best way to development is on the long term, say a twenty year development plan of these areas or zones. This is an idea to decongest the city.

The government can start the experiment from any of the five zones depending on available resources.

Take for example, the size of the area known as “the New-lay-out” which is to covers say from the Plaza Cinema, Enugu Street, the Town Market, Central Cinema, through Ibadan, Bishop Johnson, King Jaja, Churchill and Morehouse Streets to the end of Capt. Amangala, Harold Wilson and Ndoki Streets.

The government can photocopy the design of the New-lay-out, even add Creek, Bonny, Niger, Bende and Victoria Streets, Aggrey Road, King Amachee Road area, and design any of the five zones it wishes to start with in that way.

It will provide all the infrastructures found in the existing photocopied areas, like Schools, parks, hospitals, Post Office, Police Barracks, Roads, street lights, water, markets, drainage systems, cementry, churches, mosques etc.

It is the government that will approve the type of design for the buildings. I suggest that three quarter of the area should be shared in double plots of 1 00×1 00, while the remaining one quarter should be plots of 50×100. All these should be done by the government after marking and construction of secondary/ principal roads (with enough parking space) and footwalk areas. The footwalk, parking space and roads should be wider, considering the large population of people.

For the 1 00×1 00 plots, the government should insist on four stories commercial block of flats for renting like we have in Onitsha. Then the 50×100 for individuals for personal homes. We waste land by building bungalows, instead of high rise buildings. Backyards should be used for court yards without passages.

After all these have been put in place, the government can now ask land owners to start selling their land according to plots to only investors that can demonstrate proof of having money to start developing immediately. This is where our banks are supposed to take over but unfortunately they don’t invest much on this sector of real estate.

The government can also approve the design of the blocks of flats or design them itself by having stores on the ground floors.

This plan if properly executed continuously will decongest the city.

The Rivers State Government can seek the assistance of the Federal Government for projects of this nature because it has Port Harcourt among its territories for development.

A Ring road with two or three lanes on both sides, round Port Harcourt, would link all the in and outlet roads of Port Harcourt to it. So that a lorry coming from Aba, heading to NPA, does not have to follow Aba road but to divert through the Ring express road to N.P.A. So also anybody going out of the city doesn’t need to take Ikwerre or Aba road, but to go out through the Ring express road.

Infrastructures are supposed to last for centuries, this is the more reason we should be very careful of our source. They maybe cheaper but at the long term, are they worth it?

For example, let’s look at the Fly Over Bridges/Roads in Lagos and the Aba road express road constructed by Julius Berger(Lagos) and Guffanti (PH) they are very sound except for lack of maintenance problems. We should always go for the best when it comes to putting up infrastructures that will need our remembrance by generation to come.

Opinion

Poor Federal Roads: The Oshiomhole’s Outburst

Published

2 weeks ago

August 3, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”Although the Federal Ministry of Works is responsible for road construction and rehabilitation while the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) oversees maintenance, road maintenance has consistently taken a back seat”

The recent outburst by the lawmaker representing Edo North Senatorial District, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, over the deplorable condition of federal roads in Edo and Delta states has once again drawn national attention to one of Nigeria’s most persistent infrastructure challenges. During Senate plenary last Wednesday, Oshiomhole criticized the Minister of Works, David Umahi, accusing the Federal Ministry of Works of neglecting major federal highways in Edo and Delta while prioritizing new road projects. According to him, the government should focus on rehabilitating existing roads that have become impassable before embarking on new construction. He identified the Benin-Warri, Benin-Asaba, Benin-Auchi and Auchi-Okene highways as strategic economic corridors that have deteriorated to alarming levels, making travel difficult for commuters and motorists while increasing the cost of transporting goods and services.

The senator also alleged that road projects affecting Edo and Delta states were repeatedly omitted from budgetary provisions and that some interventions were only undertaken following directives from President Bola Tinubu. Ironically, the Federal Government has consistently reiterated its commitment to reconstructing and rehabilitating federal roads across the country. The Minister of Works has repeatedly assured Nigerians that the government is deploying reinforced concrete technology to build more durable highways capable of withstanding the country’s climatic conditions. Despite these assurances, vast sections of federal road across the country remain in deplorable condition. The consequences are enormous. Federal highways serve as the backbone of the nation’s economy, carrying more than 90 per cent of passengers and freight.

They connect ports, airports, industrial centres, state capitals and agricultural belts, facilitating the movement of food, fuel, cement and manufactured goods. When these roads fail, the entire economy suffers. Although the Federal Ministry of Works is responsible for road construction and rehabilitation while the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) oversees maintenance, road maintenance has consistently taken a back seat. The result is a recurring cycle in which newly completed roads quickly deteriorate while existing ones are left to collapse. The economic consequences are severe. Bad roads increase transportation costs, contribute to food inflation, delay the movement of goods from ports to markets, increase vehicle maintenance expenses and lead to avoidable road crashes that claim countless lives every year.

To address these challenges, the Federal Government has introduced initiatives such as the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI), which seeks to attract private investment into road maintenance through concessions and tolling. While the initiative holds promise, public acceptance will depend largely on visible improvements in road quality and transparent management of toll revenues. Similarly, the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme is designed to encourage companies to finance the reconstruction of strategic highways in exchange for tax credits. While the scheme has shown promise, its ability to address road infrastructure challenges equitably across the country remains to be seen. Other countries facing similar infrastructure challenges have demonstrated that sustainable road management requires a different approach.

Rwanda and Morocco, for instance, have prioritized dedicated road maintenance funds, performance-based contracts that reward quality rather than kilometers constructed, and policies that allocate a significant proportion of road budgets to maintenance instead of new construction. Nigeria can draw useful lessons from these experiences. Maintenance funding should be increased and protected because preventive maintenance is far cheaper than complete reconstruction. Public-private partnerships should be expanded with adequate safeguards, transparent tolling policies and independent monitoring. Development finance institutions should support contractors with affordable financing to minimize disruptions caused by delayed government payments. Road designs should withstand heavier rainfall and flooding, while compensation and right-of-way issues must be resolved before projects begin to avoid unnecessary delays.

FERMA should also prioritize durable, high-quality road maintenance over the shoddy repairs that have become all too common. Ultimately, Nigerians are not asking for perfect roads; they simply want roads that are safe, durable and properly maintained. While new highways are desirable, a well-maintained five-kilometer stretch is often far more valuable to road users than a much longer road that quickly falls into disrepair. The media, civil society, the National Assembly and Nigerians must continue to hold the government accountable by monitoring road projects and demanding better results. Good roads are not a privilege but a right of every citizen. With tax credit schemes, concessions and other funding mechanisms already in place, what is now required is political will, transparency and consistent implementation. However, Senator Oshiomhole’s criticism also invites legitimate public reflection.

Many Nigerians have asked what the condition of these same federal roads was during his eight-year tenure as Governor of Edo State. Several governors, including those of Rivers State at different times, undertook repairs on critical federal roads within their states and subsequently sought reimbursement from the Federal Government. It is therefore fair to ask whether similar interventions were pursued during Oshiomhole’s administration. Public officials, whether serving or former, should be judged by the same standard. Constructive criticism is essential in a democracy, but it carries greater weight when matched by a demonstrable record of action. Nigerians expect those entrusted with public office to address pressing challenges while they have the authority to do so, rather than becoming vocal critics only after leaving office

By: Calista Ezeaku

Opinion

Sacrificing Humanity for Politics?

Published

2 weeks ago

August 3, 2026

The Tide

“Politics is temporary, but humanity is permanent. No politician is worth sacrificing genuine friendships, family bonds, or peaceful coexistence.””Politics is temporary, but humanity is permanent”.

Every election season leaves behind more than ballot papers and campaign posters. It often leaves broken friendships, divided families, fractured communities, and hearts filled with resentment. In the heat of political competition, many people forget a simple but profound truth: politics is temporary, but humanity is permanent. Across our communities, it has become increasingly common to see people sever lifelong relationships simply because they support different political parties or candidates. Individuals who once shared meals, celebrated milestones, and stood by each other during difficult times suddenly become strangers not because they committed any personal offence, but because they exercised their democratic right to think differently. This growing trend should concern every citizen. Politics is designed to provide leadership, shape public policy, and improve society.

It was never intended to become a weapon for destroying relationships or creating permanent enemies. When politics begins to erode our humanity, it ceases to serve its true purpose. A democratic society thrives on diversity of thought. Every citizen possesses the constitutional right to support any political party, candidate, or ideology without fear of intimidation or hatred. Political disagreement is not a crime; rather, it is evidence that democracy is alive and functioning. The true measure of political maturity is not our ability to silence opposing voices but our willingness to respect them. Unfortunately, many people have mistaken political loyalty for personal hostility. Instead of debating ideas, they attack personalities. Instead of discussing policies, they spread insults and misinformation. Instead of building bridges, they construct walls of bitterness.

Such behaviour weakens not only our relationships but also the democratic values we claim to defend. The reality is simple: elections are temporary. Political offices have fixed tenures. Governments change. Political alliances shift. Today’s political rivals may become tomorrow’s allies, while today’s allies may become tomorrow’s opponents. History has repeatedly demonstrated that politicians who once exchanged harsh words eventually sit together at negotiation tables in pursuit of shared interests. Yet ordinary citizens often remain trapped in unnecessary hatred long after political leaders have reconciled.This reality offers an important lesson. No politician should be worth sacrificing genuine friendships, family bonds, or peaceful coexistence. Political support should never require personal hatred. We can campaign passionately for our preferred candidates while still respecting those who choose differently.

Democracy flourishes when disagreement remains civil. One of the most dangerous habits in politics is inheriting other people’s enemies. Far too often, supporters adopt the personal conflicts of political leaders as though they were their own. People who have never met begin insulting one another on social media, damaging relationships, and sometimes engaging in violence simply because influential figures disagree.Such misplaced loyalty serves no meaningful purpose. Political leaders often possess the opportunity to reconcile, negotiate, and move forward after elections. Their supporters, however, are frequently left with damaged relationships, regret, and lasting divisions within their communities. Wisdom demands that citizens distinguish between political competition and personal relationships. Rather than inheriting hostility, we should cultivate independent judgment.

Judge individuals by their character, integrity, honesty, and personal conduct not merely by the colour of the political party they support. A person’s political affiliation does not automatically define their values, competence, or humanity. Equally important is the need to elevate the quality of our political conversations. Instead of engaging in personal attacks, we should focus on issues that genuinely affect people’s lives. Discussions should revolve around education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, economic growth, employment, agriculture, and accountable governance. These are the matters that determine the future of our nation not endless exchanges of insults. Social media has further amplified political intolerance. Behind anonymous profiles and smartphone screens, many people say things they would never express in person.

Every post, comment, and shared message has the potential either to promote understanding or to deepen division. Responsible citizenship requires restraint, accuracy, and respect, especially during politically sensitive periods. Politics should inspire service, not hostility. Leadership should unite rather than divide. Citizens should be free to disagree without becoming enemies. After all, beyond our political preferences, we remain neighbours, colleagues, business partners, classmates, worshippers, and fellow citizens who share the same hopes for peace, prosperity, justice, and national development. As another political season approaches, let us remember what truly matters. Campaigns will end. Elections will pass. Winners will celebrate, and losers will regroup. But the relationships we preserve, the respect we extend, and the humanity we uphold will remain long after the campaign slogans have faded.

The greatest victory in politics is not defeating an opponent at the polls; it is preserving our values while participating in democracy. Let us choose dialogue over division, understanding over intolerance, and respect over hatred. Above all, let us never forget this timeless principle: Politics should never be more important than humanity. And perhaps the wisest political advice anyone can embrace is this: Never inherit people’s enemies. In doing so, we preserve not only our relationships but also the very spirit of democracy itself.

By: Michael T. Abraham

Opinion

Making the Out-of-School Children Survey Count

Published

3 weeks ago

July 27, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “Reliable data may reveal the scale of Nigeria’s out-of-school crisis, but only sustained political will and practical action can ensure that every child is given the opportunity to learn, thrive and contribute to national development.”

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, recently announced that the Federal Government, in partnership with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), will conduct a nationwide household survey to determine the actual number of out-of-school children in Nigeria. The exercise is intended to provide reliable data for evidence-based education policies and targeted interventions. Current estimates put the number of out-of-school children at between 15 million and 20 million, placing Nigeria among the countries with the highest number of children excluded from formal education. At first glance, this is a commendable initiative. One of Nigeria’s greatest developmental challenges has been the absence of accurate and reliable data. Without dependable statistics, planning becomes difficult, implementation inefficient, and evaluation of government programmes almost impossible.

The nation’s actual population also remains uncertain because of the absence of an up-to-date national census. Estimates range from below 200 million to over 250 million, making effective planning a daunting task. Sound policies on education, healthcare, housing, employment and infrastructure all depend on credible population statistics. Against this backdrop, the proposed survey deserves commendation. If government succeeds in generating reliable figures, it will be better positioned to allocate resources equitably, identify areas of greatest need and design interventions based on facts rather than assumptions. Accurate data will also make it easier to monitor progress and assess whether efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children are achieving the desired results.

However, beyond the good intentions lie important questions. Will state governments provide the enabling environment for an objective and transparent survey? Since education is on the concurrent legislative list, the cooperation of state governments will largely determine the credibility of the exercise. Politics could easily influence the process. States with higher numbers of out-of-school children may qualify for greater intervention funds from the Federal Government and development partners. Would this tempt some states to inflate their figures? On the other hand, high numbers could portray a state government as performing poorly in the education sector. Would some governors therefore seek to understate the figures to protect their image? These concerns are legitimate because whenever statistics are tied to political interests or financial benefits, the temptation to manipulate them cannot be ignored.

Equally important are questions about the survey itself. When will it begin? How long will it last? What methodology will be adopted? Will every household be covered, including those in remote rural communities and areas plagued by insecurity? Does the government have the manpower, funding, technology and security arrangements needed for such a nationwide exercise? Nigeria has witnessed several well-intentioned national programmes that fell short because of poor planning and inadequate logistics. Many Nigerians will remember that the proposed national population census scheduled a few years ago was postponed despite extensive preparations. Funding constraints and logistical challenges contributed to its suspension. What guarantees are there that this survey will not suffer a similar fate? More importantly, what becomes of the findings after the exercise? Nigeria is not short of reports or data collection initiatives.

The recurring challenge has been the lack of political will to translate findings into concrete policies and sustained action. The survey must not become another document gathering dust on government shelves. Instead, it should serve as the basis for measurable interventions, continuous monitoring and improved educational outcomes. Beyond producing accurate figures, the survey must also uncover the reasons children remain outside the classroom. Addressing the crisis requires more than counting affected children. It demands an understanding of the social, economic and cultural factors responsible for the problem. Issues such as the Almajiri system and other practices that discourage formal education should be carefully examined while respecting cultural values and protecting every child’s right to quality education. Poverty remains a major barrier, as many parents cannot afford school-related expenses, forcing children into street trading or child labour

Insecurity has also led to the closure of schools in several communities, depriving thousands of children of learning opportunities.Government must therefore complement the survey with practical measures. Strengthening social protection for vulnerable families, improving school infrastructure, recruiting and retaining qualified teachers, enhancing security around schools and enforcing compulsory basic education are all essential. Equally important is sustained collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and development partners to address the root causes of school exclusion. The proposed survey presents an opportunity to replace guesswork with credible evidence. However, its true value will not be measured by the number of households visited or questionnaires completed. Its success will depend on whether the findings inspire bold policies, adequate funding and sustained action that ensure every Nigerian child, regardless of location or background, has access to quality education. Only then will the exercise move beyond statistics to become a genuine instrument for national development.